Florence and Ben are staying at their grandparent's house during the school summer holidays. The children go with their grandad to the local museum, where he works as a curator, and they witness the struggle to retrieve a huge painting from the cellar, and watch it being hung in the artefact room. Why is the forest painting so entrancing and what is its secret? The children begin a strange but dangerous adventure. They are told they have been chosen by the Spirits of Chance to undo a curse that is causing hardship and hunger. Who is taking advantage of the curse? And who will go to any lengths to prevent Florence and Ben completing the task? The children must overcome many hurdles and time is the essence, in this world and in another.